UVA

UVA rays are closer to visible light rays and have lower energy than UVB and UVC rays. But UVA rays can pass through the cornea and reach the lens and retina inside the eye.

Overexposure to UVA radiation has been linked to the development of certain types of cataracts, and research suggests UVA rays may play a role in development of macular degeneration.

UV risk factors

Anyone who spends time outdoors is at risk for eye problems from UV radiation. The actual dose of UV radiation you get outdoors depends on a number of factors, including:

Geographic location

UV exposure is greater in tropical areas near the earth's equator. The farther you are from the equator, the smaller your risk.

Altitude

UV exposure is greater at higher altitudes.

Time of day

UV exposure is greater when the sun is high in the sky, typically from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Setting

UV exposure generally is greater in wide open spaces, especially when highly reflective surfaces are present, like snow and sand. In fact, UV exposure can nearly double when UV rays are reflected from the snow. UV exposure is less likely in urban settings, where tall buildings shade the streets.

Children need UV protection, too

The risk of damage to our eyes and skin from solar UV radiation is cumulative — meaning the danger continues to grow the more time you spend in sunlight throughout your lifetime.

With this in mind, it's especially important for kids to protect their eyes from the sun. Children
generally spend much more time outdoors than adults.

In fact, some experts say that because children tend to spend significantly more time outdoors than most adults, up to half of a person's lifetime exposure to UV radiation can occur by age 18.

Also, children are more susceptible to eye damage from UV rays because the lens inside a child's eye is clearer than an adult lens, enabling more UV to penetrate deep into the eye.

Make sure your children's eyes are protected from the sun with good quality sunglasses or photochromic lenses when they go outdoors. Also, encourage your child to wear a hat on sunny days to further reduce UV exposure.

Sunglasses that protect your eyes from UV

To best protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays, always wear good quality sunglasses when you are outdoors.

Look for sunglasses that block 100 percent of all UV rays. Your optician can help you choose the best sunglass lenses for your needs.

To protect as much of the delicate skin around your eyes as possible, try at least one pair of sunglasses with large lenses or a close-fitting wraparound style.

The amount of UV protection sunglasses provide is unrelated to the color and darkness of the lenses.

For example, a light amber-colored lens can provide the same UV protection as a dark gray lens. Your optician can verify that the lenses you choose provide 100 percent UV protection.

In addition to sunglasses, wearing a wide-brimmed hat on sunny days can reduce your eyes' exposure to UV by up to 50 percent.

More tips about sunglasses and UV exposure

Many misconceptions exist about sun protection for your eyes. Keep these tips in mind:

Not all sunglasses block 100 percent of UV rays. If you're unsure about the level of UV protection your sunglasses provide, take them to your eye doctor or optician for an evaluation. Many eye care professionals have instruments that can measure the amount of UV radiation your lenses block.

Remember to wear sunglasses even when you're in the shade. Although shade reduces your UV and HEV exposure to some degree, your eyes still will be exposed to UV rays reflected from buildings, roadways and other surfaces.

Sunglasses also are important in winter, because fresh snow can reflect 80 percent of UV rays, nearly doubling your overall exposure to solar UV radiation. If you ski or snowboard, choosing the right

lenses is essential for adequate UV protection on the slopes.

Even if your contact lenses block UV rays, you still need sunglasses. UV-blocking contacts shield
only the part of your eye under the lens. UV rays still can damage your eyelids and other tissues not covered by the lens. Wearing sunglasses protects these delicate tissues and the skin around your eyes from UV damage.

If you have dark skin and eyes, you still need to wear sunglasses. Although dark skin color may give you a lower risk of skin cancer from UV radiation, your risk of eye damage from UV rays is the same as that of someone with fair skin.

Everyone enjoys a sunny day. But be safe and make sure you have the right sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays.